Barrier system and method of manufacture and use

ABSTRACT

A barrier system comprising a container and an expandable barrier structured to be stored in the container. The expandable barrier comprising a plurality of first panels and a plurality of second panels, a plurality of first hinged connectors connecting adjacent first panels and a plurality of second hinged connectors connecting adjacent second panels. A plurality of support members, each support member having first and second sides wherein the first side of each support member is connected to a corresponding first hinged connector and the second side of each support member is connected to a corresponding second hinged connector so that each support member extends between a pair of adjacent first panels and a pair of adjacent second panels wherein in a first position in which the expandable barrier is stored in the container and in an unexpanded state, the first panels are positioned in a stacked arrangement and the second panels are positioned in a stacked arrangement with each support member sandwiched between adjacent first and second panels and wherein in a second position in which the expandable barrier is fully deployed from the container and in an expanded state, the first panels are positioned in a linear arrangement and the second panels are positioned in a linear arrangement parallel to the first panels with each support member extending perpendicularly between a pair of adjacent first panels and a pair of adjacent second panels.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a barrier system and a method ofmanufacturing and use of a barrier system.

BACKGROUND

Existing temporary barrier systems typically comprise a plurality ofbarrier units designed to be positioned end-to-end to create a barrier,wherein each barrier unit typically comprises a fence element having apair of supports, often one at each end. Such conventional barriersystems are cumbersome to store and transport; labor intensive toinstall; provide limited spacing between opposite sides of thebarricade, which can make it dangerous for security to approach thebarricade in order to reinforce the barricade; and are oftenstructurally deficient and prone to being breached, either bysurmounting or separating the barrier units. Moreover, once theseconventional barrier systems have been breached, the individual barrierunits can be used by the perpetrators as weapons or to cause propertydamage. As such, there is a need for an improved barrier system that canbe efficiently stored and deployed, provides a hardened barricade,provides spacing between opposite sides of the barricade and can beeasily modified with deterrence mechanisms depending on the potentialthreat.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described embodiments of the invention in general terms,reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a barrier system comprising acontainer and an expandable barrier, wherein the expandable barrier isbeing deployed from the container, according to one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the barrier system of FIG. 1 inwhich the expandable barrier is being deployed from the container;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a barrier system comprising anexpandable barrier in which the expandable barrier is stored in acontainer prior to deployment, according to one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a deterrence feature of anexpandable barrier, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an expandable barrier,according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an expandable barrierstructured with height extenders, according to one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a plurality of the expandablebarrier of FIG. 5 stacked for storage and/or transport, according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 8 a and 8 b illustrate perspective views of a rotatable deterrentchassis and deterrent of an expandable barrier wherein the rotatabledeterrent chassis and deterrent is in the retracted or stored positionin FIG. 8 a and wherein the rotatable deterrent chassis and deterrent isin the deployed position in FIG. 8 b , according to one embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of an expandable barrier withfirst and second rotating panels, according to one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a transition member for abarrier system, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a barrier system comprising aplurality of interconnected expandable barriers, according to oneembodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a barrier system comprising aplurality of interconnected expandable barriers, according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention now may be described more fullyhereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some,but not all, embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, theinvention may be embodied in many different forms and should not beconstrued as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, theseembodiments are provided so that this disclosure may satisfy applicablelegal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.Where possible, any terms expressed in the singular form herein aremeant to also include the plural form and vice versa, unless explicitlystated otherwise. Also, as used herein, the term “a” and/or “an” shallmean “one or more,” even though the phrase “one or more” is also usedherein. Furthermore, when it is said herein that something is “based on”something else, it may be based on one or more other things as well. Inother words, unless expressly indicated otherwise, as used herein “basedon” means “based at least in part on” or “based at least partially on.”

Additionally, certain terminology is used herein for convenience onlyand is not to be interpreted as a limitation on the embodimentsdescribed. For example, the words “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,”“left,” “right,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “upward,” and “downward”merely describe the configurations as depicted in the figures. Indeed,the referenced components in the figures may be oriented in anydirection, unless specified otherwise, the configurative terminologyused herein should be understood as encompassing such variations.

As used herein, a “person” or “persons” may refer to human beings.However, usage of “person” or “persons” shall not be interpreted aslimiting language, and as such the barrier system described herein mayalso be implemented to retain animals, livestock, autonomous machinessuch as robots or vehicles, geological or natural articles such asgrasses, sands, or any other type of article which may be beneficial tobe retained within a boundary.

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a barrier system and methodof manufacturing and use of said barrier system. The apparatus andmethod described herein allows for the rapid deployment and spatiallyefficient storage of a barrier system to contain persons within adesignated area. The expandable and/or modular technical features of thebarrier system provide a novel approach to solving the placement andcontainment challenges found in traditional barricade systems. Forexample, the expandable barrier system improves upon the traditionalbarricade systems by allowing the deployment of a continuous chain ofinterconnected expandable barriers as a result of directional movementalong the path of a desired containment boundary. This may beaccomplished through the use of vehicular or manual placement of thebarrier system in conjunction with the expandable feature of the barriersystem. The expandable and/or modular features also allow for storage ofthe barrier system in an efficient manner compared to the traditionalbarricade systems, such that a relatively small container is capable ofholding a barrier system capable of producing a relatively large numberof linear feet of barrier once the barrier system is deployed. Unliketraditional barricade systems, the barrier systems described herein maycomprise deterrence features atop the barrier system to prevent personsfrom crossing the barrier system. Unlike traditional barricade systemswhich generally comprise a singular vertical obstacle, the barriersystems described herein comprise a plurality of panels positionedvertically and set apart from one another at a fixed distance. In thisway, an attempted breach of the barrier system may be thwarted as aresult of the increased amount of time required for any persons to crossthe plurality of panels. Furthermore, unlike traditional barricades, thebarrier system described herein may be continuous and interconnected,such that each modular component or subsection of the barrier system ismechanically coupled to the adjacent modular component or subsection. Inthis way, movement, removal, or tampering with the barrier system in anattempt to breach the barrier is prevented.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a barrier system comprising acontainer 22 and an expandable barrier 2, according to one embodiment ofthe present invention. The components of expandable barrier 2 will nowbe described. All components of expandable barrier 2 may be constructedof any metal, polymer, composite, or metal alloy, including but notlimited to, steel or steel alloy, stainless steel, galvanized steel,copper, brass, aluminum or aluminum alloy, titanium or titanium allow,plastics such as high-density polyethylene (“HDPE”) or polyvinylchloride (“PVC”), plastic composites such as wood-plastic composites(“WPC”), carbon fiber, and so forth.

Expandable barrier 2 comprises a plurality of first panels 4 and aplurality of second panels 6. A plurality of first hinged connectors 8connects adjacent first panels 4 and a plurality of second hingedconnectors 10 connects adjacent second panels 6. The expandable barrier2 also comprises a plurality of support members 12, each support member12 has first and second sides 14, 15, wherein the first side 14 of eachsupport member 12 is connected to a corresponding first hinged connector8 and the second side of each support member 12 is connected to acorresponding second hinged connector 10 so that each support member 12extends between a pair of adjacent first panels 4 and a pair of adjacentsecond panels 6. In some embodiments, adjacent first panels 4 share acommon first hinged connector 8. However, in other embodiments, adjacentfirst panels 4 may have independent first hinged connectors 8.

In one embodiment, the container 22 comprises a top, bottom, and four(4) lateral sides secured together by welding or mechanical fasteners.At least one lateral side comprises an aperture. In one embodiment, theaperture includes a door that is hingedly secured to the correspondinglateral side and structured to be opened and closed. In the closedposition, the door is preferably structured so that the door may besecured or locked. The container 22 may be constructed of any metal,polymer, composite, or metal alloy, including but not limited to, steelor steel alloy, stainless steel, galvanized steel, copper, brass,aluminum or aluminum alloy, titanium or titanium allow, plastics such ashigh-density polyethylene (“HDPE”) or polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”),plastic composites such as wood-plastic composites (“WPC”), carbonfiber, and so forth. Although container 22 is depicted graphically inFIG. 1 as a traditional six-sided metal enclosure, any number ofconfigurations of container 22 are contemplated. Examples of suchalternate configurations include, but are not limited to, an enclosurewith no side walls but with an open rack system with at least two guiderails, an open-back truck bed, or an open trailer or closed trailerconfigured to be towed by a vehicle. In some embodiments, the containermay be self-propelled and/or autonomous, such that the container isstructured to transport and deploy the expandable barrier 2 with no orlimited interactions with users.

According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3 , the expandablebarrier 2 is structured to be stored in the container 22 in a firstposition comprising an unexpanded state. In FIG. 1 , the first position7 of the expandable barrier 2 is depicted by the portion of theexpandable barrier 2 shown inside the container 22. In this firstposition 7, the first panels 4 are positioned in a stacked arrangementand the second panels 6 are positioned in a stacked arrangement. In thestacked arrangement, each support member 12 is sandwiched betweenadjacent first and second panels 4, 6.

According to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 , the expandablebarrier 2 is structured to be extracted or deployed from the container22 into a second position in which the expandable barrier is fullyexpanded. Advantageously, according to the present invention, theexpandable barrier may be deployed into a second position in which theexpandable barrier is fully expanded and simultaneously placed along thedesired barricade path or line, thus allowing for efficient deploymentand positioning of the expanded barrier of the barrier system. Accordingto one embodiment, the deployment of the expandable barrier 2 into thesecond position 9 is done by securing the end of the expandable barrier2 adjacent the door or opening in the container 22, for example,securing the end to the ground using a tie, mechanical fastener orweight, and then moving the container 22 away from the secured end ofthe expandable barrier 2, preferably along the desired path or line ofthe desired barricade. As the container 22 is moved away from thesecured end of the expandable barrier 2, tension is created in theadjacent first and second panels of the expandable barrier which resultsin the adjacent panels being extracted or deployed from the aperture inthe container 22 consecutively until the expandable barrier 2 is fullydeployed. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the end of the expandablebarrier 2 adjacent the door or opening in the container 22 may bedeployed and the weight of the end of the adjacent first and secondpanels deployed after the movement of container 22 away from the endcreates sufficient frictional resistance between the ground or othersurface on which the expandable barrier is being deployed to cause theadjacent first and second panels of the expandable barrier 2 totransition from the first position 7 in which the expandable barrier 2is in the stored and stacked arrangement to the second position 9 inwhich the expandable barrier 2 is fully deployed (e.g., expanded). Thesecond position 9 is shown in FIG. 1 in the portion of expandablebarrier 2 fully deployed from the container 22. In this second position9, the first panels 4 are positioned in a linear arrangement and thesecond panels 6 are positioned in a linear arrangement parallel to thefirst panels 4. Each support member 12 extends perpendicularly between apair of adjacent first panels 4 and a pair of adjacent second panels 6.The first panels 4 and the second panels 6 are positioned opposite oneanother once deployed in the second position 9, such that either thefirst panels 4 or the second panels 6 form a perimeter along the area ofcontainment or exclusion, and the other of the first panels 4 or thesecond panels 6 are positioned parallel thereto and at a fixed offsetposition, i.e., separated, therefrom, which provides further separationfrom the area of containment.

In other embodiments, the container 22 may be tilted at an angle tothereby cause the expandable barrier 22 to be deployed through theaperture in the container at an angle conducive to placement of theexpandable barrier 2 when container 22 is moved along the barrierplacement path, i.e., the desired path or line of the desired barricade.

In some embodiments, container 22 may be coupled to a vehicle 24. As thevehicle 24 advances along a placement path, the expandable barrier 2expands and is deployed along said the placement path. In otherembodiments, the container 22 may be rotatably coupled to the vehicle 24via a lifting mechanism structured to raise or lower one end of thecontainer 22 and position the container 22 at an angle relative to thesurface on which the expandable barrier is to be deployed. In this way,the lifting mechanism assists with the placement of the expandablebarrier 2 by guiding the expandable barrier 2 through the aperture ofthe container 22. The lifting mechanism may utilize pneumatic,hydraulic, piezoelectric, mechanical, or electro-mechanical actuatorsstructured to assist with placement and/or positioning of the container22 and/or any supplemental container inside which container 22 isenclosed (e.g., a trailer of a tractor trailer). Additional liftingmechanisms may be implemented such as to assist with opening of theaperture, doors, lift gates, or other features of container 22 orvehicle 24 to assist with the placement and/or positioning of container22.

In some embodiments, first and second panels 4, 6 may comprise thedeterrence features 20 along the second end of the first panel 4 and/orsecond panels 6. In other embodiments, these the deterrence features 20may also be present along the second end of support members 12. Thedeterrence features 20 serve to provide a physical deterrence to personswho purposefully attempt to surmount, compromise or breach theexpandable barrier 2. In this way, persons may become entangled orincapacitated by the deterrence features 20 in such events. As will bedescribed fully herein, the deterrence features 20 may be any structuralor mechanical feature having pointed ends, spikes, sharp edges, or thelike. In the embodiment shown graphically in FIG. 1 , the deterrencefeatures 20 are a series of spikes or protuberances with the portion ofthe spikes or protuberances facing upwards structured with pointed tips.

The first and second panels 4, 6 may be structured with one or moreapertures 16, such as to reduce the weight of the first and secondpanels 4, 6 or increase the capacity to withstand the force exerted bythe wind to the first and second panels 4, 6. As depicted graphically inFIG. 1 , the apertures 16 may comprise an array of slots, holes, orstylized cutouts in a repetitious or non-repetitious pattern. In someembodiments, apertures 16 may comprise a singular cutout or hole.Similarly, the support members 12 may be structured with the apertures18, such as to reduce the weight of the support members 12 or increasethe capacity to withstand the force exerted by the wind pressures to thesupport member 12. As depicted graphically in FIG. 1 , the apertures 18comprises a singular cutout or hole in a primarily rectangular shapewith rounded corners. However, in other embodiments, the apertures 18may be an array of slots, holes, or stylized cutouts in a repetitious ornon-repetitious pattern.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a barrier system comprisingexpandable barrier 2 in the second position 9, according to oneembodiment of the present invention. The second position 9 of theexpandable barrier 2 is shown after the expandable barrier 2 is fullydeployed from the container 22 along a path desired for placement of theexpandable barrier 2. In this second position 9, the first panels 4 arepositioned in a linear arrangement and the second panels 6 arepositioned in a linear arrangement parallel to the first panels 4. Asshown in FIG. 2 , each support member 12 of expandable barrier 2 extendsperpendicularly between a pair of adjacent first panels 4 and a pair ofadjacent second panels 6. In this way, the support members 12 providestructural integrity between the linear arrangements of the first panels4 and second panels 6. As can be seen in FIG. 2 , depth D is thedistance between first and second panels 4, 6. In some embodiments,depth D may vary between six and one-hundred and twenty inches,depending on the size of support members 12 specified, given the variousneeds of containment for the expandable barrier 2. In this way, anincreased depth D may be constructed using more material but will alsoprovide additional protection against breaching efforts by persons meantto be contained or excluded by the expandable barrier 2.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the expandable barrier 2 in thefirst position 7 (e.g., collapsed), wherein the expandable barrier 2 iscontained in the container 22, according to one embodiment of thepresent invention. In this way, the expandible barrier 2 is compact andready for transport, storage, and deployment. It shall be noted that thecontainer 22 may be vertically stackable with additional containers 22,so as to minimize the storage capacity required for storing a pluralityof the expandable barriers 2. The containers 22 may also serve asplatforms for security personnel, such that security personnel can bepositioned on top of the containers 22 at an elevated position inproximity to the barrier system. Various accessories may accompany theexpandable barrier 2 within the internal cavity of the container 22.Non-limiting examples of accessories are depicted graphically in FIG. 3, such as ladders 26 and protective shields 28. Other examples ofaccessories not depicted graphically but that may also be included aredecorative markers, protective guards for deterrence features 20, heightextenders or supplemental deterrence features 20 for the first andsecond panels 4, 6, tools, toolboxes, law enforcement aids, and soforth.

In another embodiment, the barrier system comprises a plurality ofcontainers and a plurality of expandable barriers, wherein when theplurality of expandable barriers are in the second position, theadjacent expandable barriers may be interconnected. In one embodiment,the first panel of each expandable barrier is connected to acorresponding third connector connecting the adjacent first panel of theadjacent expandable barrier, and wherein the second panel of eachexpandable barrier is connected to a corresponding fourth connectorconnecting the adjacent second panel of the adjacent expandable barriersuch that a continuous chain of expandable barrier systems is formed.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a deterrence feature 20 of anexpandable barrier 2, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention. The deterrence feature may be positioned on the second end offirst panel 4, second panel 6, or support member 12, or a combination ofany of these. In some embodiments, the expandable barrier 2 may not bestructured with any deterrence feature 20. In other embodiments, heightextenders or stand-alone supplemental deterrence features 20 may beprovided to be attached to the expandable barrier 2 to providedeterrence functions. In this way, the deterrence feature 20 may beremovable for situations where deterrence functions are not required orare too visually obstructive.

In the embodiment of deterrence feature 20 shown in FIG. 4 , a row ofspiked protuberances 30 extend upwards from the second end of secondpanel 6. As previously described, the deterrence feature 20 may becoupled to the second end of first panels 6, second panel 6 and/orsupport members 12, or any combination of these. Each of the spikedprotuberances 30 is substantially round in cross-section with a pointedtip on the upwards-facing end of the spiked protuberances 30. The spikedprotuberances 30 are shown as varying in height along the edge of thesecond panel 6, but in some embodiments the spiked protuberances 30 maybe equal in height. In other embodiments, instead of spikedprotuberances 30, the deterrence feature 20 may be comprised of barbedwire, concertina wire, razor wire, electrically charged wire, or thelike.

FIGS. 5 and 12 illustrate a perspective views of barrier system 84comprising an expandable barrier 34, according to another embodiment ofthe present invention. In this embodiment of the barrier system 84, aseries of expandable barriers 34 may be positioned adjacent to oneanother along a path to form a barricade to create a containment orexclusion area. The components of the expandable barrier 34 may beconstructed of any metal, polymer, composite, or metal alloy, includingbut not limited to, steel or steel alloys, stainless steel, galvanizedsteel, copper, brass, aluminum or aluminum alloys, titanium or titaniumalloys, plastics such as high-density polyethylene (“HDPE”) or polyvinylchloride (“PVC”), plastic composites such as wood-plastic composites(“WPC”), carbon fiber, and so forth.

The expandable barrier 34 comprises a first panel 36 and a second panel38. The expandable barrier 34 also comprises a plurality of channels 47,wherein each channel 47 defines a first end and a second end and whereinthe first panel 36 is hingedly connected to the first end of eachchannel 47 and the second panel 38 is hingedly connected to the secondend of each channel 47. The expandable barrier 34 also comprises aplurality of support members 48 each defining a first end and a secondend, wherein the first end of each support member 48 is hingedlyconnected to the first panel 36 and the second end of each supportmember is slidably and hingedly connected to a corresponding channel 47.The expandable barrier 34 also comprises a plurality of legs 49 eachdefining a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of each leg49 is rotatably attached to the second panel 38.

The first panel 36 defines a first surface 63, a second surface 64, afirst end 37, and an opposing second end. The second panel 38 defines afirst surface 67, a second surface 68, a first end 39, and an opposingsecond end. It shall be understood that in certain embodiments notdepicted graphically in FIG. 5 , the expandable barrier 34 may onlycomprise a first panel 36 or a second panel 38, not both.

The first panel 36 and the second panel 38 may be structured with one ormore apertures 42 so as to reduce the weight of the first and secondpanels 36, 38 or increase the capacity to withstand the force exerted bythe wind to the first and second panels 36, 38. As depicted graphicallyin FIG. 5 , the apertures 42 may comprise an array of slots, holes, orstylized cutouts in a repeating or non-repeating pattern. In otherembodiments, the apertures 42 may comprise a singular hole.

In some embodiments, the first panel 36 and/or the second panel 38 mayalso comprise a plurality of vertical members 66. Since the first panel36 is hingedly connected to the first end of each channel 47, and thesecond panel 38 is hingedly connected to the second end of each channel47, rotation of the first panel 36 and/or the second panel 38 abouthinged connectors 50 also rotates the corresponding vertical members 66about the hinged connectors 50. In one embodiment, the first end 37 ofthe first panel 36 and/or the first end 39 of the second panel 38 arehingedly connected to the first end of each channel 47 and/or the secondend of each channel 47, respectively, via hinged connectors 50 connectedto the exterior or interior surfaces of each channel 47, or both. Inanother embodiment, each of the first panel 36 and second panel 38include vertical members 66 along the lateral sides of the panels and ahinged connector 50 connects to each of these lateral side verticalmembers 66 of each of the first panel 36 and second panel 38 at thefirst end 37 of the first panel 36 and the first end 39 of the secondpanel 38, respectively, and then connects the first end 37 of the firstpanel 36 to the channel 47 and connects the first end 39 of the secondpanel 38 to the channel 47.

The hinged connector 50 may be a hinge, such as a barrel hinge, weldablehinge, piano hinge, door hinge, bearing, bushing, or a similar devicethat provides two structural members, one of which can be attached tothe first panel 36 and/or the second panel 38 and one of which can beattached to the corresponding channel 47, and that allows rotationbetween the two members. The hinged connector 50 may also comprise alock, such as ball detents, ratcheting members, levers, or the like,structured to hold the hinged connector 50 at a fixed radial position.As used herein, a lock is a mechanism structured to restrict movement ofthe first panel 36 and/or the second panel 38 relative to thecorresponding channel 47, which can include locking the position of thefirst panel 36 and/or the second panel 38 relative to the correspondingchannel 47 in a manner that prevents movement and/or providingresistance to movement unless a predetermined amount to force is appliedin order to releasably set the position of the first panel 36 and/or thesecond panel 38 relative to the corresponding channel 47. In this way,the first and second panels 36, 38 may maintain their respectivepositions along the rotational path to avoid unwanted rotation of thefirst and second panels 36, 38. Movement of the first and/or secondpanels 36, 38 axially around the hinged connectors 50 allow the firstand/or second panels 36, 38 to rotate from the first position to thesecond position. In some embodiments, the lock of the hinged connector50 may be structured to interface with and project through an apertureof at least one of the channels 47 or vertical members 66 upon the firstpanel 36 and/or the second panel 38 reaching the first position and/orthe second position.

The expandable barrier 34 also includes a plurality of support members48 each having a first end 60 and a second end 61, and an elongatemember 45 extending therebetween, wherein the first end 60 of thesupport members 48 is hingedly connected via a hinged connector 150 tothe first surface 63 of the first panel 36 and extends between the firstsurface 63 of the first panel 36 and the channel 47. Each support member48 extends at predetermined angle from the first panel to thecorresponding channel 47. The second end 61 of the support members 48 isslidably and hingedly connected to a channel 47 via a hinged connector250 to allow the second end 61 of each support member 48 to rotate in acontrolled manner about the corresponding channel 47. Each channel 47 isstructured to accept the support members 48 within an interior of theeach of the channels 47 when the expandable barrier 34 is in the firstposition. The slidable interface between the interior of each channel 47and the corresponding support member 48 also prevents unwanted twisting,torsion, or friction upon raising or lowering the first panel 36 whentransitioning to and from the first and second positions.

Similar to hinged connector 50, the hinged connector 150 may be a hinge,such as a barrel hinge, weldable hinge, piano hinge, door hinge,bearing, bushing, or a similar device that provides two structuralmembers, one of which can be attached to the first panel 36 and one ofwhich can be attached to the first end 60 of the corresponding supportmember 48, and that allows rotation between the two members. The hingedconnector 150 may also comprise a lock, such as ball detents, ratchetingmembers, levers, or the like, structured to hold the hinged connector150 at a fixed radial position. As used herein, a lock is a mechanismstructured to restrict movement of the first panel 36 relative to thecorresponding support member 48, which can include locking the positionof the first panel 36 relative to the corresponding support member 48 ina manner that prevents movement and/or providing resistance to movementunless a predetermined amount to force is applied in order to releasablyset the position of the first panel 36 relative to the correspondingsupport member 48. In this way, the first panel 36 may maintain itsrespective position along the rotational path to avoid unwanted rotationof the first panel 36. Movement of the first panel 36 axially around thehinged connectors 150 allow the first panel 36 to rotate from the firstposition to the second position. In some embodiments, the lock of thehinged connector 150 may be structured to interface with and projectthrough an aperture of at least one of the vertical members 66 upon thefirst panel 36 reaching the first position and/or the second position.

The hinged connector 250 may be a hinge, such as a barrel hinge,weldable hinge, piano hinge, door hinge, bearing, bushing, or a similardevice that provides two structural members, one of which can beattached to the second end 61 of the corresponding support member 48 andone of which is slidably attached to the channel 47, and that allowsrotation between the two members. In one embodiment, the slidablefeature of the hinged connector 250 is provided via a track within theinterior of the corresponding channel 47 that slidably mates with wheelson each side of the hinged connector 250. The hinged connector 250 mayalso comprise one or more locks, such as ball detents, ratchetingmembers, levers, or the like, structured to hold the hinged connector250 at a fixed radial position and at fixed linear position along thelength of the channel 47. As used herein, a lock is a mechanismstructured to restrict movement of the corresponding support member 48relative to the channel 47, radially and/or linearly, which can includelocking the position of the corresponding support member 48 relative tothe channel 47 in a manner that prevents movement radially and/orlinearly and/or providing resistance to movement radially and/orlinearly unless a predetermined amount to force is applied in order toreleasably set the position of the corresponding support member 48relative to the channel, radially and/or linearly. In this way, thefirst panel 36 may maintain its respective position relative to thechannel along the rotational path to avoid unwanted rotation of thefirst panel 36. In some embodiments, the lock of the hinged connector250 may be structured to interface with and project through an apertureof the corresponding channel 47 upon the first panel 36 reaching thefirst position and/or the second position.

In some embodiments, at least one of the channels 47 may be structuredwith an aperture. The support members 48 in such an embodiment maycomprise a lock on the second end of the support members 48, the lockcomprising a spring and a detent plunger, wherein the spring forces thedetent plunger to extend through the aperture in the channel 47 when theexpandable barrier is in the second position. In this way, supportmembers 48 are structured to lockingly engage with channels 47.

Rotatably connected to a first surface 67 of the second panel 38 are aplurality of legs 49. Legs 49 each define a first end 69 and a secondend 70, wherein elongate members of each leg 49 extend between the firstsurface 67 of the second panel 38 and the surface 40 on which theexpandable barrier 34 is being deployed. The first end 69 of each leg 49is hingedly or rotatably connected to the second panel 38 via a hingedconnector 50 or a rotatable connector using one or more bearings. Thesecond end 70 of each leg 49 may be structured with support feet 51. Thesupport feet 51 comprise features optimized for interaction with thesurface 40, such as a primarily flat feature to provide stability andprevent movement of the expandable barrier 34. Each leg 49 extendsangularly from the second panel 38 to the surface 40. The support feet51 may comprise a texturized surface to create additional friction torestrict movement of the support feet 51 relative to the surface 40 and,thus, restriction movement of the expandable barrier 34. In otherembodiments, the support feet 51 may comprise wheels or rollers, whichmay or may not be retractable, to assist in the movement and placementof the expandable barrier 34.

In some embodiments, the first panel 36 and/or the second panel 38 mayalso comprise cross members 44. In embodiments where additional rigidityor support is required, the cross members 44 may extend between verticalmembers 66.

The channels 47, legs 49, elongate members 45 of the support members 48,and cross members 44 may be constructed of hollow tubing of rectangularor square cross section, solid tubing of rectangular or square crosssection, an L-shaped channel, a U-shape channel, or C-shape channel.However, in other embodiments, other configurations may be utilized toform channels 47, legs 49, elongate members 45 of the support members48, and cross members 44, including solid or hollow tubing circular,semi-circular, hexagonal, or any other configuration.

In the first position, as illustrated in FIG. 7 , the expandable barrier34 is collapsed, and the first panel 36, the second panel 38, theplurality of legs 49 and the plurality of channels 47 are positioned ina parallel and stacked arrangement, and wherein each support member 48is received within a corresponding channel 47. In such first position,the first panel 36 is adjacent the plurality of channels 47, the secondpanel 38 is adjacent the first panel 36 and the plurality of legs 49 isadjacent the second panel 38. In the second position, as illustrated inFIGS. 5 and 6 , the expandable barrier 34 is fully deployed, and thefirst panel 36 and second panel 38 are positioned substantiallyperpendicular to the plurality of channels 47, each of the plurality ofsupport members 48 extends at predetermined angle from the first panel36 to the channels 47, and the plurality of legs 49 extends angularlyfrom the second panel 38.

In some embodiments, additional features such as feet, wear pads,stabilizers, locking casters, or mechanisms for promoting or inhibitingmovement of the expandable barrier 34 relative to the surface 40 onwhich the expandable barrier 34 is being deployed may be placed betweenthe channels 47 and the surface 40. lock

In some embodiments, expandable barrier 34 may also comprise barrierconnectors 53, which allow for connecting each expandable barrier 34with adjacent expandable barriers 34. These barrier connectors may becotter pins, fasteners such as screws and nuts, magnets, ball detentsstructured to interact with barrier connectors 53 of adjacent expandablebarriers 34. In some embodiments, barrier connectors 52 secure adjacentones of the plurality of channels. In other embodiments, barrierconnectors 52 secure adjacent first panels. In yet additionalembodiments, barrier connectors 52 secure adjacent second panels

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an expandable barrier 34′structured with height extenders 55, according to one embodiment of thepresent invention. As previously described, certain barrier usagesrequire additional height specification to prevent the expandablebarrier 34 in the second position from being breached. As such, theheight extenders 55 may be connected to the first panel 36 and/or thesecond panel 38 to provide additional height to the first panel 36and/or the second panel 38, respectively. The height extenders 55 may bepositioned parallel to the axis of the respective first panel 36 and/orsecond panel 38, or may be structured to be positioned at a fixed angleA relative to the axis of the respective first panel 36 and/or secondpanel 38. In one embodiment, the height extenders 55 comprise tubularextensions that are received within apertures in the end ofcorresponding vertical members 66. In another embodiment, the tubularextensions may be connected to the height extenders 55 via hingedconnectors that are the same as or similar to hinged connectors 50 toallow rotation of the height extenders 55 relative to the respectivefirst panel 36 and/or second panel 38.

In the embodiment of FIG. 6 , the height extenders 55 may be structuredwith deterrents 52 along the top and/or bottom sides of the heightextenders 55. The deterrents 52 serve to provide a physical deterrenceto persons who purposefully attempt to surmount, compromise or breachthe expandable barrier 34′ such that persons may become entangled orincapacitated by the deterrent 52. In this way, the deterrents 52 may beany mechanical structure comprising with spikes, sharp edges, or similarfeature that creates a surface that is difficult to surmount or crossover. In the embodiment shown graphically in FIG. 6 , the deterrents 52are a series of spiked protuberances with the portion of the spikedprotuberances facing upwards structured with pointed tips. These spikedprotuberances may angled at positions relative to one another such thatthe spiked protuberances cross one another and create an “X” or “V”pattern. However, the spiked protuberances of the deterrents 52 may alsobe uniformly substantially vertical or at an angle A relative to thefirst and second panels 36, 38.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a stack of the expandablebarriers 34 in the first position according to one embodiment of thepresent invention. The expandable barriers 34 may be reconfigured fromthe first position as shown in FIG. 7 as previously described herein, toa second position (e.g., the deployed position, as previously shown anddescribed with respect to FIGS. 5-6 ). Such transformation is a resultof rotating the first and second panels 36, 38 and extending theplurality of the legs 49. Similarly, the expandable barriers 34 may bereconfigured from the second position to the first position by followingthe reverse sequence of the aforementioned steps. In this way, multipleexpandable barriers 34 in first positions may be stacked on top of oneanother such that the first and/or second panels 36, 38 of eachexpandable barrier 34 is adjacent to at least one adjacent expandablebarrier 34 in the first position, as illustrated in FIG. 7 . Such acompact configuration allows for ease in transport, storage, and rapiddeployment.

FIGS. 8 a and 8 b illustrate perspective views of a rotatable deterrentchassis 59 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Thehandling of the expandable barrier 34 in transitioning from the firstposition to the second position may require a human to interact withvarious aspects of the expandable barrier 34. As such, it may bebeneficial to obscure the deterrent 52 until a time when it is safeand/or appropriate to deploy the deterrent 52. In the embodiment of thesystem as shown in FIGS. 8 a and 8 b , the expandable barrier may bestructured with a rotatable deterrent chassis 59 to position thedeterrent 52 on the second end of the first and/or second panels 36, 38.The rotatable deterrent chassis 59 comprises a hinged connector or arotatable connector using one or more bearings 56 and an elongate member54. In one embodiment, the elongate member 54 of the rotatable deterrentchassis 59 is rotatably coupled to the vertical members 66 of acorresponding one of the first panel 36 or the second panel 38 via thehinged connector or rotatable connector 56 such that the rotatabledeterrent chassis 59 and the deterrent 52 can be retracted into adownward directed position where the rotatable deterrent chassis 59 anddeterrent 52 are contained within a recess defined by the respectivefirst panel 36 or second panel 38, e.g. between a pair of adjacentvertical members 66, as shown in FIG. 8 a . When it is time to deploythe deterrent 52, the rotatable deterrent chassis 59 and deterrent 52can be rotated into an upward directed position as shown in FIG. 8 b sothat the deterrent 52 is deployed. As illustrated in FIG. 8 a , theelongate member 54 may comprise a channel or recess 58 sized to receivethe upper most cross member 44 of the respective first panel 36 orsecond panel 38, which provides additional support to the rotatabledeterrent chassis 59 when the deployed position, as shown in FIG. 8 b .Additionally, in one embodiment, the rotatable deterrent chassis 59 mayinclude a further channel or recess in the surface of the rotatabledeterrent chassis 59 on which the deterrent 52 is disposed. This channelor recess is structured to matingly and releasably receive acorresponding extension that allows for different deterrents 52 toattached and removed from the rotatable deterrent chassis 59, dependingon the threat or security level applicable to different situations.

In some instances it may be desirable to provide security personal withthe ability to enter and egress through the expandable barrier 34. FIG.9 illustrates a perspective view of an expandable barrier 34″ in whichthe first and second panels 36, 38 each include rotatable panels ordoors 41, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Theembodiment in FIG. 9 is such that the first and second panels 36, 38include rotatable panels or doors 41 that are each connected to thevertical members 66 of the respective first and second panels 36, 38 bymeans of a plurality of hinged connectors 62. In other embodiments, onlyone of a first panel 36 and a second panel 38 are structured withrotatable panels or doors 41 and hinged connectors 62, which therebyallows security personnel to access only the space in between the firstand second panels 36, 38.

The hinged connectors 62 may be similar to the hinged connectors 50 andare connected to the vertical members 66 and a first side 71 of the dooror panel 41 of the first panel 36 and a first side 72 of the door orpanel 41 of the second panel 38, respectively, such that the door orpanel 41 of the first and/or second panels 36, 38 are structured torotate between a first position (e.g., closed), where the door or panel41 of the first and/or second panels 36, 38 extend between adjacentvertical members 66, and a second position (e.g., open), where only thefirst side 71 of the door or panel 41 of the first panel 36 and/or afirst side 72 of the door or panel 41 of the second panel 38 is adjacenta respective vertical member 66. In the first position, the second side75 of the door or panel of the first panel 36 and the second side 77 ofthe door or panel 41 of the second panel 38 may be structured with alock 73 such as a deadbolt, key lock, pin pad, or biometric pad in orderto maintain the door or panel 41 of the first and second panels 36, 38in the first position unless access is granted. In some embodiments,only one of either the door or panel 41 of the first panel 36 or thedoor or panel 41 of the second panel 38 are structured with a lock 73.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 9 , the threshold beneath thedoor or panel 41 of the first panel 36 and/or the door or panel 41 ofthe second panel 38 includes a cover 74. The cover 74 is a flat orconcave body positioned adjacent the cross member 44 at the bottom ofthe first panel 36 or second panel 38 to create a smooth walkingtransition between the surface 40 exterior to the expandable barrier 34″and the surface 40 interior to the expandable barrier 34″.

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a transition member 76 of theexpandable barrier 34‴ according to one embodiment of the presentinvention. In some instances, arrangements of barrier systems are notsimply linear in nature, and oftentimes barrier systems need to beerected with multiple angled or curved portions to accomplish the properbarrier system layout. In this way, it is beneficial to provide anembodiment of the expandable barrier 34‴ to bridge two non-linearsections of adjacent expandable barriers 34 in a continuous fashion. Assuch, a transition member 76 may be provided. The transition member 76includes a support frame 56 and at least one panel 65. In the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 10 , transition member 76 comprises a first and asecond panel 65 positioned in a perpendicular orientation and a supportframe 56 comprising a pair of elongate members 79 extending from bottomof the distal end of each of the first and second panels 65 to an anchormember 80. Other embodiments require the expandable barrier 34‴ to bestructured with the transition member 76 to accommodate angles greateror less than ninety degrees or even curvilinear configurations.Mechanical attachment mechanisms such as screws, bolts, magnets,zip-ties, or the like may be used to secure the corner 76 to at leastone vertical member 66. To promote a continuous aesthetic, someembodiments may comprise a bevel feature 78, extending about all or aportion of the one or more panels 65 to the surface 40 in either astraight or concave manner. For purposes of this disclosure, theconstruction, composition, description, features and structure of thesecond panel 38 and the panel 65 is intended to be entirelyinterchangeable. In other words, the construction, composition,description, features and structure of the second panel 38 is equallyapplicable to the panel 65.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a barriersystem 82, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Barriersystem 82 comprises a plurality of expandable barriers 34 in variousembodiments as previously described, such as the expandable barriers 34,34′, 34″, and 34‴. Each of the expandable barriers 34, 34′, 34″, and 34‴may comprise barrier connectors 53, allowing for the secure connectionof each expandable barrier with adjacent expandable barriers. Thesebarrier connectors 53 may be cotter pins, fasteners such as screws andnuts, magnets, ball detents structured to interact with an aperture ofthe barrier connectors 53 of adjacent expandable barriers. For purposesof this disclosure, the construction, composition, description, featuresand structure of the expandable barriers 34, 34′, 34″, and 34‴ isintended to be entirely interchangeable. In other words, theconstruction, composition, description, features and structure of any ofexpandable barriers 34, 34′, 34″, and 34‴ is equally applicable to theother expandable barriers 34, 34′, 34″, and 34‴.

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a barriersystem 84. In certain applications of the barrier system 84, it may bebeneficial to provide the barrier system 84 with a façade 90. The façade90 may be a substantially flat body constructed of stainless steel,steel or steel alloys, galvanized steel, aluminum or aluminum alloys,titanium or titanium alloys, polycarbonate, acrylic, carbon fiber, orany other plastic, metal, alloy, or composite necessary to provide atransparent, opaque, or semi-transparent aesthetic cover to the barriersystem 84. The façade 90 may be attached to the first panel 36 and/orthe second panel 38 to be adjacent and parallel to the first panel 36and/or the second panel 38. Attachment may be provided as screws,magnets, zip-ties, buttons, or the like. Alternatively, the façade 90may be formed integrally with and comprise part of the first panel 36and/or the second panel 38. Furthermore, the façade 90 may be comprisedof a logo 92 to provide visual messaging to persons in the area of thebarrier system 84. The logo 92 may be adhered to façade 92 as a vinyldecal, sticker, or in some embodiments the logo 92 may be engraved,etched, embossed, or removed from the façade 92 to facilitate the visualmessaging.

In an additional embodiment, electrical wiring may be included withinthe vertical members 66 and/or cross members 44 of the first panel 36and/or second panel 38 and the first panel 36 and/or second panel 38 mayinclude lighting or lighting outlets connected to the electrical wiring.

While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in theaccompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments aremerely illustrative of, and not restrictive on, the broad invention, andthat this invention not be limited to the specific constructions andarrangements shown and described, since various other changes,combinations, omissions, modifications and substitutions, in addition tothose set forth in the above paragraphs, are possible. Those skilled inthe art will appreciate that various adaptations and modifications ofthe just described embodiments can be configured without departing fromthe scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is to be understoodthat, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may bepracticed other than as specifically described herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A barrier system comprising: a container; and anexpandable barrier structured to be stored in the container, theexpandable barrier comprising: a plurality of first panels and aplurality of second panels; a plurality of first hinged connectorsconnecting adjacent first panels and a plurality of second hingedconnectors connecting adjacent second panels; a plurality of supportmembers, each support member having first and second sides, wherein thefirst side of each support member is connected to a corresponding firsthinged connector and the second side of each support member is connectedto a corresponding second hinged connector so that each support memberextends between a pair of adjacent first panels and a pair of adjacentsecond panels; wherein, in a first position in which the expandablebarrier is stored in the container and in an unexpanded state, the firstpanels are positioned in a stacked arrangement and the second panels arepositioned in a stacked arrangement with each support member sandwichedbetween adjacent first and second panels; and wherein, in a secondposition in which the expandable barrier is fully deployed from thecontainer and in an expanded state, the first panels are positioned in alinear arrangement and the second panels are positioned in a lineararrangement parallel to the first panels with each support memberextending perpendicularly between a pair of adjacent first panels and apair of adjacent second panels.
 2. The barrier system of claim 1,further comprising a plurality of expandable barriers, wherein the firstpanel of each expandable barrier is connected to a corresponding thirdconnector connecting the adjacent first panel of the adjacent expandablebarrier, and wherein the second panel of each expandable barrier isconnected to a corresponding fourth connector connecting the adjacentsecond panel of the adjacent expandable barrier such that a continuouschain of expandable barrier systems is formed.
 3. The barrier system ofclaim 1, further comprising at least one deterrence feature.
 4. A methodfor providing a barrier, the method comprising: providing a barriersystem comprising: a container; and an expandable barrier structured tobe stored in the container, the expandable barrier comprising: aplurality of first panels and a plurality of second panels; a pluralityof first hinged connectors connecting adjacent first panels and aplurality of second hinged connectors connecting adjacent second panels;a plurality of support members, each support member having first andsecond sides, wherein the first side of each support member is connectedto a corresponding first hinged connector and the second side of eachsupport member is connected to a corresponding second hinged connectorso that each support member extends between a pair of adjacent firstpanels and a pair of adjacent second panels; and placing the expandablebarrier in the container in an unexpanded state, wherein the firstpanels are positioned in a stacked arrangement and the second panels arepositioned in a stacked arrangement with each support member sandwichedbetween adjacent first and second panels.
 5. The method according toclaim 4, further comprising: deploying the expandable barrier from thecontainer such that the expandable barrier is in an expanded state,wherein the first panels are positioned in a linear arrangement and thesecond panels are positioned in a linear arrangement parallel to thefirst panels with each support member extending perpendicularly betweena pair of adjacent first panels and a pair of adjacent second panels. 6.The method of claim 5, further comprising: engaging a deterrencefeature, the deterrence feature coupled to at least one of the groupconsisting of the first panel and the second panel.
 7. An expandablebarrier comprising: a first panel and a second panel; a plurality ofchannels, wherein each channel defines a first end and a second end andwherein the first panel is hingedly connected to the first end of eachchannel and the second panel is hingedly connected to the second end ofeach channel a plurality of support members each defining a first endand a second end, wherein the first end of each support member ishingedly connected to the first panel and the second end of each supportmember is slidably and hingedly connected to a corresponding channel; aplurality of legs each defining a first end and a second end, whereinthe first end of each leg is rotatably attached to the second panel;wherein, in a first position in which the expandable barrier iscollapsed, the first panel, the second panel, the plurality of legs andthe plurality of channels are positioned in a parallel and stackedarrangement, and wherein each support member is received within acorresponding channel; and wherein, in a second position in which theexpandable barrier is fully deployed, the first panel and second panelare positioned substantially perpendicular to the plurality of channels,each of the plurality of support members extends at predetermined anglefrom the first panel to the channels, and the plurality of legs extendsangularly from the second panel.
 8. The expandable barrier of claim 7,wherein, in the first position, the first panel is adjacent theplurality of channels, the second panel is adjacent the first panel andthe plurality of legs are adjacent the second panel.
 9. The expandablebarrier of claim 7, further comprising a deterrence feature.
 10. Theexpandable barrier of claim 7, wherein the second end of the supportmember is structured to lockingly engage with the channel in the secondposition.
 11. A barrier system comprising a plurality of expandablebarriers according to claim 7, wherein each of the plurality ofexpandable barriers is positioned adjacent to another one of theplurality of expandable barriers to form a barricade; and furthercomprising a plurality of barrier connectors to secure at least one ofthe group consisting of (i) adjacent ones of the plurality of channels,(ii) adjacent first panels; and (iii) adjacent second panels.
 12. Amethod for providing a barrier, the method comprising: providing aplurality of expandable barriers, each of the expandable barriercomprising: a first panel and a second panel; a plurality of channels,wherein each channel defines a first end and a second end and whereinthe first panel is hingedly connected to the first end of each channeland the second panel is hingedly connected to the second end of eachchannel a plurality of support members each defining a first end and asecond end, wherein the first end of each support member is hingedlyconnected to the first panel and the second end of each support memberis slidably and hingedly connected to a corresponding channel; aplurality of legs each defining a first end and a second end, whereinthe first end of each leg is rotatably attached to the second panel;positioning the expandable barrier such that the first panel, the secondpanel, the plurality of legs and the plurality of channels are in aparallel and stacked arrangement, and wherein each support member isreceived within a corresponding channel.
 13. The method according toclaim 12, further comprising: deploying the expandable barrier, whereinthe first panel and second panel are positioned substantiallyperpendicular to the plurality of channels, each of the plurality ofsupport members extends at predetermined angle from the first panel tothe channels, and the plurality of legs extends angularly from thesecond panel.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: engaging adeterrence feature, the deterrence feature coupled to at least one ofthe group consisting of the first panel and the second panel.